YOUR VIEW: Israel just wants to live in peace

Over the last several days I have received a number of notes from non-Jewish friends and old class mates (very, very old) expressing their concern for Israel, asking for my comments, and asking what they could do to help. Their concern is greatly appreciated and I have tried to respond.

People are dying. The situation, while dangerous, is not complex. Israel wishes to be allowed to live in peace and wants to help make the whole area a prosperous garden spot if her neighbors are willing. Her neighbors, as they have stated and continue to state, simply want to completely destroy Israel.

This was repeated at a hate rally at our own UAB a few days ago. Of course there are less casualties in Israel. They have been living with the constant bombardment for years. Everything is southern Israel is built of reinforced concrete because of it. Hamas is alone responsible for Palestinian casualties. It is their decision to put military and terrorist facilities and launching sites in the middle of civilian populations. It is they who have sent and are sending thousands of rockets and missiles into civilian areas in Israel that have NO military purpose.

History plainly and clearly shows, over the past 60 years, that Israel will risk much - almost all - in exchange for peace. She has done so on too many occasions to count. Yes, Israel does block weapons and explosives from entering Gaza as best she can. Those weapons and explosives are used only to constantly harass Israel. But she also provides water and power to Gaza and her hospitals and medical facilities are completely open to and treat many Palestinians.

When Israel pulled out of Gaza a number of years ago (unilaterally) she left considerable infrastructure that could have enriched and made easier many Palestinian lives, but Hamas, in its wisdom, destroyed those facilities instead of using them. Just for spite? All one really needs to know is that Israel only wants to live in peace, the Palestinian leadership only wants the complete destruction of Israel. That pretty much says it all.

Until the Palestinians stop teaching hate in their schools, to their children, peace will be difficult to find. The potential for a thriving and prosperous greater middle east will remain just a prayer. There is, obviously, much, much more that could be said but those who do not want to hear will not hear.